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Mother, 39, Punches, Breaks
Teen Daughter's Nose,
Whips Her with Belt

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Rose Michelle Pressey, 39, of 5230 Agua Breeze Drive, just west of Morgan Johnson Road, in East Manatee County.

Rose Pressey

According to the arrest report, on Sunday, March 11, 2012, at about 1 p.m., Rose Pressey and her 13-year-old daughter, named only as "A.J." in the report, got into a verbal altercation about A.J.'s cell phone.

A.J. was sitting on the couch and Rose attempted to take A.J.'s phone from her.

A.J. did not allow Rose to have her phone and Rose became angered. She punched A.J. in her nose three times with a closed fist. This caused A.J.'s nose to bleed.

Rose then instructed her boyfriend, who was present, to brag a belt, which he did. Rose proceeded to hit A.J. with the belt, which did not cause any injuries, the report said.

Rose instructed A.J. to clean her nose, which A.J. did.

A.J. then changed clothes and left the residence on foot to go to her father's residence.

Rose went to A.J.'s father's residence and told him that he better go get his daughter and her clothes and that they had been involved in an argument and she had possibly broken A.J.'s nose.

A.J.'s father then went looking for his daughter and located her near Carlton Arms on State Road 64 East.

He then took A.J. to Manatee Memorial Hospital.

The Nurse Practitioner who examined the X-rays at the hospital informed Deputy Kevin White that A.J.'s nose suffered a non-displaced fracture of the nose, which over time when the cartilage rebuilds, will cause a noticeable bump on the nose.

Rose was located at her residence at 10:15 p.m.

She was arrested and charged with Child Abuse Causing Great Harm.

She later posted a bail bond of $5,000 and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Suicidal Man Batters Cop,
Tries to Escape Cruiser,
Pepper-Sprayed

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Lawrence Cobb, 26, of 304 47th Avenue Drive West, Bradenton.

Lawrence Cobb

The arrest report said on Friday, March 9, 2012, at about 5:10 a.m., Dep. Bryan Lake was dispatched to the above location regarding a suicide threat.

Upon arrival, he made contact with Cobb, who was making threats to hurt himself. When Dep. Lake started to make contact with Cobb, he made a statement that met the Baker Act criteria, the report said.

When Cobb turned to go back toward his residence, it caused deputies to go hands on. Cobb resisted at that point and he was taken to the ground and handcuffed without injury.

While walking to the patrol vehicle, Cobb used his shoulder to strike a deputy in the right arm.

Cobb was then searched and two rounds of ammunition were located in his right front pocket.

A criminal history revealed Cobb had been arrested for felony Burglary in 2010 in Pinellas County.

While in the back seat of Dep. Lake's patrol vehicle, Cobb began to kick the vehicle's windows and doors. He was warned several times not to kick the cruiser, but he continued.

At risk of escape, Cobb was pepper-sprayed by Sgt. Crotty and transported to the Manatee County Jail without further incident.

He was charged with Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon, and Resisting Arrest with Violence.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail in lieu of a bail bond of $7,500.

Man Arrested for Threatening
Wife with Knife; Chased Her

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Larry Eugene Stout, 46, of 4131 29th Street East, in North Manatee County.

Larry Stout

The arrest report said on Friday, March 9, 2012, at about 3:30 a.m., Stout's wife, Robin, was awakened by Stout. He dragged her out of bed.

Stout began to make threats and produced a knife, which he began swinging around.

Stout then poked Robin in the eye and started to rip her clothes off of her.

Robin grabbed her cell phone and managed to run away outside.

Stout chased after, still swinging the knife around.

Robin managed to hide in the bushes while Stout roamed the yard, making threats and looking for her.

Robin told deputies she was afraid that Stout was going to hurt her with the knife.

Stout was apprehended by an MSO K-9 team, hiding in the back yard.

He was arrested and charged with Aggravated Domestic Assault, Domestic Battery and Resisting Arrest without Violence.

He later posted a bail bond of $11,750 and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Intoxicated Man Arrested for
Disorderly Conduct; Made
Lewd Remarks to Girl, 19

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Matthew D. Klempa, 37, of 6750 Carlyle Lane, in South Manatee County.

Matthew Klempa

The arrest report said on Friday, March 9, 2012, at about 9:30 p.m., the management of the Stonewood Grill, 5415 University Parkway, called law enforcement regarding a man who was intoxicated and causing a disturbance inside the restaurant, later identified as Klempa.

Deputy Chris Steube tried to interview Klempa and obtain his ID, but Klempa refused to give the deputy any ID or talk about what had occurred. Klempa also refused to submit to a breath test.

Two women had been approached by Klempa, who were sitting at their own table, and Klempa started making innapropriate remarks about the 19-year-old woman's breasts and said he wanted to taste her vagina, the report said.

The girl's mother told Klempa to leave them alone and asked the waiter to kick Klempa out of the restaurant.

At that time a disturbance started between the girl's mother, the waiter, the manager and Klempa.

Klempa was told to leave and he initially refused, but finally was escorted outside the restaurant to a cab which had been called for him.

He started caused a disturbance with the cab driver and the cab left without him.

Dep. Steube found him sitting on a bench outside the restaurant.

After investigation, Klempa was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct.

He was later released from the Manatee County Jail on his own recognizance, supervised.

Young Woman Arrested for
Grand Theft Retail

PALMETTO, Florida [NMT] -- The Palmetto Police Department has arrested Amanda Lynn Weatherford, 22, of 2811 17th Street West, Bradenton.

Amanda Weatherford

The arrest report from PPD said on Sunday, March 11, 2012, at about 10 a.m., Weatherford entered the Walmart store located at 508 10th Street East, Palmetto, and walked around for about 3 hours.

At about 1 p.m., she obtained Walmart bags from the store and concealed $432 worth of merchandise inside the bags.

Weatherford then exited through the front entrance, passing all points of purchase without paying for the merchandise.

Two Walmart employees completed sword affidavits attesting to these facts, and there is a surveillance video of the incident from Walmart as well, the report said.

Weatherford was arrested and charged with Grand Theft Retail.

She posted a $1,000 bail bond and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

The Manatee County Sheriff's website noted that Weatherford had also been arrested by the Bradenton Police Department on March 6th for the same crime.

SSO: Accomplice in Two
Armed Robberies Arrested

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Jason Maxwell, 26, of 2019 La Salle Street, Sarasota, for being an accomplice in the armed robberies of the PakMail and Synovus Bank in February.

Jason Maxwell

A witness directed detectives to Maxwell’s home after seeing someone fitting the description of the suspect run from the rear of the bank to the house, which is nearby.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence, where they found evidence from both crimes.

Maxwell agreed to speak to detectives and admitted assisting Christopher York, who was arrested last week.

Maxwell turned himself in Tuesday morning, March 13, 2012, and has been charged with one count each of Accessory to Robbery with a Firearm and Accessory to Attempted Robbery with a Firearm.

He is currently being held in the Sarasota County Jail without bond.

Sarasota County Sheriff Issues
Spring Break Safety Reminders

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind residents and visitors to keep safety in mind as they enjoy Spring Break. While relaxing at area hotels, beaches and local entertainment establishments, here are some tips to remember:

~ Lock the doors and windows at your place of lodging.

~ Don't leave valuables in your hotel room. Lock them in a safe if possible.

~ Always carry wallets, purses, room and car keys securely. Keep your room key in a safe place on your person when at the hotel pool, bar or dining room.

~ When crossing the street, watch out for traffic.

~ When driving, obey the speed limit and watch for pedestrians.

~ Lock your vehicle at all times - when parked and when traveling in it.

~ Keep valuables out of sight at all times. Lock them in the trunk, glove box or console. Covering them with a blanket or clothing does not deter criminals.

~ While at the beach, never leave valuables unattended.

~ Never go out alone and don’t ever leave with a stranger.

~ Be observant. Report any suspicious activity to law enforcement, security officers or hotel managers.

~ Don't advertise your plans to strangers.

~ If you’re going to drink alcohol, don’t consume too much.

~ Don’t leave drinks unattended or accept an open drink from a stranger.

~ Don’t drink and drive.

Heeding these warnings will help everyone stay safe and keep some celebrants from becoming a guest at the county jail.

Serial Arsonist Admits to
Setting Fires Since '70s

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- After being arrested, a man told police he had been setting fires since the 1970s, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

James Bates, 44, was arrested Monday after deputies said someone called in an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip that he had set a series of fires.

Volusia County deputies said Bates admitted to setting fires because he was angry about what some of his coworkers said about him.

He admitted to setting about a dozen fires in the 70s and 80s when he lived in Texas and said he managed to suppress the urge for all these years until recently.

According to deputies, he started two fires on Dec. 4, 2011. One was in a flower bed and another was a grass fire in someone's front yard.

On Jan. 15, deputies said he started two more grass fires.

Then, on Jan. 19, deputies said he used lighter fluid to set the Sea Woods clubhouse on fire, causing thousands of dollars in damage.

Deputies said after he set the fires, he would roam around the neighborhood to watch the fires and steal items from homes.

He stole lawn chairs, a lawn ornament, a plant, a tire cover, a plastic bench, and two seat cushions from residential yards mostly on Katy Drive, about half-mile from where he lives with his mother, deputies said.

Bates is facing five felony counts of Arson and five counts of Theft, WKMG said.

~ Tuesday's Local/State News ~

Man, 34, Dragged Puppy Behind
His Pickup Truck; Had Bloody
Paws, Chest and Crotch

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Mauro Lopez Martinez, 34, of 1012 59th Avenue Drive East, Bradenton.

Mauro Lopez Martinez

According to the arrest report, on Friday, March 9, 2012, at about 9:40 p.m., Deputy Gabriel Bogart was at the intersection of 57th Avenue and 6th Street Court East, in Bradenton, as backup on another call. While standing outside in the open, Dep. Bogart heard a noise coming toward him which he thought sounded like something being dragged down the road.

At that moment, Dep. Bogart heard Sgt. Skala say, "He's dragging a dog down the road."

Above, the blue pickup truck with the puppy in the bed
(i-Phone photo by Heather Chadwick, NewsManatee)

Dep. Bogart then turned and looked in the direction of the noise and noticed a Hispanic male driving a blue pickup truck with a dog tied to the bumper of the truck. He observed the dog being dragged down the road as the truck passed him.

Dep. Bogart and Sgt. Skala immediately got into their cruisers and stopped the Hispanic male driver, later identified as Mauro Martinez, at the intersection of 57th Avenue East and 9th Street East.

Upon approach to the vehicle, Dep. Bogart noticed the dog was bleeding heavily and there was blood all over the ground where the dog came to rest. He observed injuries to all four of the dog's legs, stomach and crotch region of the dog.

The dog was a young dog (puppy) and was tan/gray in color. He had extensive road rash to all four of his feet and his chest area, the report said.

NewsManatee's Heather Chadwick was on hand to capture the incident and filed this report:

"Its paws were all ripped up and it was bleeding quite a lot. The cops put it in the back of the pickup it had been tied to. They were comforting it. Well done to those cops."

Animal Services Officer Steve Bell responded to the scene and took possession of the injured dog.

Martinez had a Guatemala ID card, but no driver license.

Martinez was arrested and charged with misdemeanor Animal Cruelty and No Valid Driver License.

He later posted a cash bond of $240 and was released from the Manatee County Jail.

Two Juveniles Arrested for
February Armed Home
Invasion Robbery

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Justin Blake DiCarlo, 17, of the 3900 block of 34th Avenue East, Bradenton, and Franklyn B. Fuentes, 16, of 8122 45th Court East, in South Manatee County.

Above, L to R, Justin DiCarlo and Franklyn Fuentes

According to the arrest report, on February 17, 2012, at about 3 p.m., the victim, Kenneth Bess, was at home by himself in the 8400 block of Palm Lakes Court, in South Manatee County, when he heard someone coming into the house through the inside garage door. The outside garage door had been left open the Bess believed the person entering was his mother, so he did not leave his bedroom.

A few moments later, the door to Bess's bedroom opened. Franklyn Fuentes entered the room, pointing a silver handgun at Bess and said, "Put your hands up and give me the money."

Just behind Fuentes, Bess saw Justin DiCarlo come inside the room, brandishing a black shotgun. A third unknown suspect entered the room and was standing next to DiCarlo; he was not armed and did not say anything, the report said.

Bess handed his wallet to Fuentes which contained $500 in cash. Fuentes removed the money and dropped the wallet on the floor.

As Fuentes was going through the wallet, he said, "I heard you been talking [expletive deleted]." He also took a pack of cigarettes Bess had and said, "You're lucky I don't pistol whip your ass."

All three exited the room and Bess remained in the room until he heard a vehicle start outside and believed they were gone.

Bess has known both Fuentes and DiCarlo for over a year and goes to school with them, the report said. He has seen both of them regularly during that time and was able to provide information about where both of them lived.

A warrant for the arrest of DiCarlo and Fuentes was issued and they were both located on March 8, 2012.

Both were arrested and charged with Armed Home Invasion Robbery.

Man Arrested for Child Abuse
During Search Warrant

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Brentton Tyveus Edwards Wood, 26, of Bradenton.

Brentton Edwards Wood

The arrest report said on Thursday, March 8, 2012, at about 3:30 p.m., the sheriff's office served a narcotics related search warrant at Brentton's residence, 1905 57th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Brentton was sitting on a couch in the family room, which was engulfed in marijuana smoke; Brentton was actively smoking a joint when entry was made to the residence.

Brentton quickly extinguished the joint and grabbed a 5-month old boy, then lifted the child in the air, as to show law enforcement that a child was in the home.

On Brentton's person, detectives located a package containing .6 grams of marijuana.

During the search of the residence, they located a loaded 9mm handgun which was on an end table next to the couch where Brentton and the child were sitting. On an adjacent end table, a loaded .22 caliber pistol was found. Also found were numerous items of drug paraphernalia.

While detectives were on scene, the child was observed coughing multiple times.

Because the child was sitting within two feet of Brentton, exposing the child to marijuana smoke, and due to the guns being located within reach of the child, Brentton's lack of effort to protect the child showed a blatant disregard for the child's safety and well-being.

He was arrested and charged with Child Abuse and Possession of Marijuana under 20 Grams.

He was later released from the Manatee County Jail on his own recognizance, supervised.

Juvenile, 15, Arrested for
Burglary of 14th Street
Convenience Store

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Joshua Ipnar, 15, of Bradenton.

Joshua Ipnar

A sheriff's report said on Monday, March 12, 2012, at about 1:30 a.m., Ipnar smashed out the front window and entered Bradenton Quick Mart, 3006 14th Street West.

Deputy Aaron Bowling heard the glass break and arrived as Ipnar entered the business.

Ipnar was not aware of Dep. Bowling's arrival, and started loading lighters and synthetic drugs into a carry bag.

Bowling took Ipnar into custody without incident.

He was arrested and charged with Burglary.

Ipnar was transported to the Juvenile Booking Facility.

Sgt. Randy Lamb Named
Deputy of the Month for
February 2012

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube has named Sgt. Randy Lamb Deputy of the Month for February 2012.

A press release from Sheriff Steube said on January 20, 2012, Sergeant Randy Lamb responded to a shooting call and a man who had barricaded himself inside his residence.

The man was intoxicated and distraught over a pending divorce and became enraged with his wife, throwing her out of the bedroom and retrieving a gun to “end it all.”

When other deputies arrived, Sergeant Lamb established a perimeter around the house and evacuated the surrounding apartments.

Then Sgt. Lamb started talking with the man and was able to establish a rapport, eventually convincing him to lay down the gun and come outside.

Sergeant Lamb’s calm demeanor in dealing with this unstable person resulted in a positive resolution with no one being injured, for which he was awarded Deputy of the Month for February 2012.

Sheriff Steube congratulated Sgt. Lamb.

Sheriff's Employee of the Month
for February 2012 Named

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube has named Nicole Valint Employee of the Month for February 2012.

A press release from Sheriff Steube said in late October 2011, a residential burglary trend was identified in the District #3 area, with approximately a dozen cases linked by modus operandi (MO). Deputies were able to develop a person of interest, including a name, description and vehicle.

Nicole Valint was provided this information and asked to research to find more information on the suspect. She eagerly accepted the assignment and quickly identified a subject residing in close proximity to most of the burglaries. Nicole also developed three other persons of interest that were linked by field interviews and addresses.

Based on the information she developed, deputies established surveillance and were able to apprehend the suspects while committing a residential burglary.

A search was conducted with evidence found linking the suspects to multiple burglaries county-wide.

Nicole Valint demonstrated a spirit of teamwork and took initiative that resulted in a criminal group being identified and apprehended, for which she is awarded Employee of the Month for February 2012.

Sheriff Steube congratulated Nicole.

Man Dies in South Manatee
Vehicle Crash, FHP Says

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported a fatal crash on Monday, March 12, 2012, at about 3:15 a.m., on U.S. 301 north of Whitfield Avenue, in South Manatee County.

The FHP report said a 2004 Chevy pickup being driven by Agustin Alberto, 25, of Sarasota, was southbound on U.S. 301, approaching Whitfield Avenue.

For some reason, the Chevy left the roadway into the center median, rotating counterclockwise.

After entering the center median, the Chevy began to overturn, partially ejecting Alberto.

The Chevy pickup came to final rest on its right side, on top of Alberto.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Car Thief Arrested Hours
after Release from Jail
for Car Theft

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office arrested 31-year-old Gabriel Miller this weekend for stealing a car just hours after he was released from jail where he served time for a similar crime.

Gabriel Miller

A deputy patrolling Siesta Key Beach at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, spotted a Range Rover that matched the description of a vehicle stolen from the Ritz-Carlton earlier in the day. The suspect driving the vehicle spotted the deputy and pulled into traffic in an attempt to get away, but was pulled over and ordered out of the vehicle at gun point.

Deputies quickly learned that Miller had been released from the Sarasota County Jail at 6:00 a.m., Saturday, after serving two-months of a six-month sentence for Grand Theft Auto. In September 2011 he stole a Chrysler 300 from a Sheriff’s Office Chaplain in Indiana, drove it to Sarasota County, where he stole a Ford Mustang from Scottie’s Auto Sales. That car was recovered in Clearwater and Miller was arrested a short time later.

Miller has again been charged with Grand Theft Auto and Driving with a Suspended License and is currently being held on $15,500 bond.

Purses Being Stolen
from Unlocked Vehicles

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff’s detectives report purses are being stolen from parent or guardian vehicles at school parent pickup, day care centers, or after school events, while they briefly get out and leave their vehicle unlocked.

In the past week there have been four such thefts in Port Charlotte.

Detectives are reminding motorists to always lock your vehicle and take your purse with you.

If anyone has information about the person or persons responsible, please call the CCSO at 941-639-2101, or Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477).

Driver Rams Patrol Car,
Flees Police

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida [NMT/WKMG] -- Daytona Beach police are searching for one of two men involved in ramming a patrol car and fleeing from police, Orlando television station WKMG reported.

Police said they received a call late Sunday night for a suspicious vehicle near the intersection of West International Speedway Boulevard and Adams Street.

When officers approached the car, it sped off and rammed a Daytona Beach police patrol car, according to authorities.

Police said there was a short pursuit and Stop Sticks were used to halt the getaway vehicle, WKMG said.

One person was taken into custody, but another remains at large, according to authorities.

~ Monday's Local/State News ~

8th Homicide in Manatee County
Overall This Year Reported After
Murder/Suicide in North County

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported a murder/suicide that occurred on Thursday, March 8, 2012, around 7 p.m.

A sheriff's report said on March 8, 2012, at approximately 7:20 p.m., deputies were dispatched to Skyway Memorial Cemetery, 5200 U.S. 19, in Palmetto, in reference to a suicide.

The complainant was on scene and witnessed Charles Baker, a Black male, 49, commit suicide by self inflicted gunshot wound. The complainant/witness was his daughter, according to reports. Baker had been near his own father's grave at the time.

While responding to the cemetery, an assault call was dispatched at 1015 69th Street Court East, in Rubonia.

After an initial investigation, it was determined the assault victim, Kevin Parillo, a White male, 41, was shot in the head, and died on scene.

While detectives were en route to the suicide, it was determined the two calls were related and that Baker was possibly the suspect who shot Parrillo.

It was later determined that Baker did, in fact, shoot Parrillo before ending his own life.

The two subjects were known to each other and detectives continue to investigate a motive in the shooting.

NewsManatee has learned that Baker and Parillo, who was wheelchair-bound from an accident when he was 14 years old, had been longtime friends.

Dave Bristow, spokesman for the sheriff's office told NewsManatee on Friday that detectives had learned that Parillo had allegedly been "talking trash" about Baker, possibly including some criminal insinuations.

Baker shot and killed Parillo and then went to the cemetery, where he shot and killed himself.

This is the 8th homicide overall in Manatee County this year. There have now been 7 murders in unincorporated Manatee County, and 1 in the City of Palmetto.

Authorities Arrest Man Who
Threatened to Kill Brother,
Stabbed Friend

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Devante Stefan Medelle, 19, of 908 35th Avenue East, Bradenton.

Devante Medelle

According to the arrest report, on Thursday, March 8, 2012, at about 8:20 p.m., Medelle was arguing with his brother and had been all day.

The argument continued out on the driveway of the above listed location.

Medelle, with a knife in hand, threatened to kill his brother while waving the knife in the direction of his brother. He was transferring it back and forth between his hands.

Medelle yelled, "Die like a man," to both his brother and a mutual friend.

Then he walked toward the front door, still carrying the knife and still yelling the same phrase over and over.

The friend who was present attempted to intervene and was stabbed twice by Medelle at the front door to the residence.

Medelle then put the knife down and went inside to his bedroom, where he was apprehended.

His friend's stabbing injuries included a 1-inch laceration to the top of his head and a 1/2" x 1/2" puncture type laceration to his forehead. He was treated on scene by EMS and refused transport, saying he would go to the hospital later to get checked out.

Medelle was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon and Domestic Aggravated Assault.

He remains in the Manatee County Jail on a bail bond of $15,000.

Burlington Coat Factory
Employee Arrested
for Grand Theft

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Stephon Lamar Dawson, 24, of 2509 51st Avenue Terrace West, Bradenton.

Stephon Dawson

The arrest report said Burlington Coat Factory loss prevention has been watching Dawson, who is an employee, since January.

During the time period between January and February, Dawson was observed canceling layaways and giving the products for free to a friend and former employee.

Dawson was also observed giving employee discounts as well as marking down prices on items that his friend was purchasing.

On January 24th, Dawson was observed canceling a layaway order of $133.96 and waiving a $10 fee. Dawson then gave the items to his friend for free.

On February 1, February 9 and February 10, Dawson and his friend continued depriving Burlington Coat Factory of its merchandise and monies that were stolen by both parties. The total value of those stolen items and monies were $369.97.

Post-Miranda, Dawson stated that he and his friend had stolen merchandise from Burlington for a while.

When asked about how much money he thought that he and his friend had stolen from Burlington, he said it was around $1,000 worth of stuff.

Dawson was arrested and charged with Grand Theft Retail Alone or Coordinated with Another.

He was released from the Manatee County Jail on his own recognizance, supervised.

Deputies Arrest Woman for
Vehicle Burglary

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Tangela Singletary, 29, of 604 60th Avenue Drive West, Bradenton

Tangela Singletary

A sheriff's report said on Saturday, March 10, 2012, at about noon, Tangela Singletary was observed by the victim, Genaro Ramirez-Casiano, 23, rummaging through his vehicle in the 100 block of 59th Avenue Drive East.

When confronted, Singletary fled in a vehicle.

The vehicle was spotted by Deputies Franklin, Crawford and Cappiello.

A traffic stop was conducted on Singletary's vehicle.

Items from the burglary were located on the inside of Singletary's and after a show-up with a positive ID by the victim, T. Singletary was arrested.

She was charged with Vehicle Burglary.

As of Saturday afternoon, she remained in the Manatee County Jail without bond.

Five Juveniles Injured in
Friday School Bus Crash

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported a crash between a Manatee County school bus and an 80-year-old driver on Friday, March 9, 2012, at about 5:40 p.m., in the 500 block of 75th Street West, Bradenton.

The FHP report said Vehicle 2, a school bus being driven by Esmeralda Ramirez, 38, of Palmetto, was stopped with traffic southbound in the right lane of the 500 block of 75th Street West.

Traffic was backed up from the light at the intersection of Manatee Avenue West.

Vehicle-1, a Dodge Intrepid being driven by Judson Quimby, 80, of Bradenton, was southbound on 75th Street West approaching the school bus in the right lane.

Vehicle-3, with its unknown driver, was traveling southbound on 75th Street West behind V-1 in the right lane.

Quimby failed to stop behind the bus.

The front of Quimby's Intrepid struck the rear of the school bus.

Quimby attempted to back up away from the rear of the school bus and backed into the front of Vehicle-3.

Quimby then drove forward again, striking the rear of the school bus a second time.

Quimby and the school bus came to rest facing south in the right southbound lane of 75th Street West just north of Manatee Avenue West.

Vehicle-3 left the scene without providing any information. No information is known on Vehicle-3. All located witnesses were focused on the bus and were unable to recall any specific description for Vehicle-3 or the driver.

There were no passengers in Quimby's Intrepid. Quimby was transported to Blake Medical Center with minor injuries.

The school bus had 17 passengers, all juveniles.

Five of the bus passengers were transported to Blake Medical Center with minor injuries.

Quimby was cited for Careless Driving that Caused a Rear End Crash.

Four Juveniles Caught in Act
of Stealing Stove in Myakka

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office has arrested four juveniles, listed in a sheriff's report as L.B., 15; C.B., 16; H.W., 15; and M.W., 15 years of age.

The sheriff's report said on Friday, March 9, 2012, at about 9:30 a.m., a passerby called in a possible burglary to an abandoned residence when she observed a stove being carried out of the house.

Upon the first deputy's arrival, he observed three juveniles fleeing from a truck that carried a stove in the truck bed.

The suspects were sought after by a sheriff's helicopter and K9, which had been called out to assist.

In the meantime, one suspect, L.B., returned to the scene and was giving some spontaneous statements as he walked back.

The truck left at the scene belonged to the juvenile's parents.

H.W.'s mother arrived at sheriff's substation District 3 with two suspects, C.B. and H.W.

During interviews in the juveniles’ parents’ presence, it was learned that a fourth suspect, identified as M.W., had fled the scene also, unbeknownst to the deputy.

The three suspects in custody were taken to the Juvenile Booking Center and a request to arrest the fourth was written to the State Attorney.

The stove was returned to the residence.

Myakka City Man, Ejected
from Chevy Blazer, Dies

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Florida Highway Patrol reported a fatal accident on Saturday, March 10, 2012, at about 10:45 p.m., on State Road 70, 1.4 miles east of Post Road, in East Manatee County.

The FHP report said a 1997 Chevy Blazer, being driven by Khabir Muhammad, 54 of Myakka City, Florida, was traveling eastbound on State Road 70, approaching a curve in the roadway that curves to the left.

As he entered into the curve, Khabir failed to negotiate the curved roadway and traveled onto the south shoulder.

At that time, Khabir attempted to correct his path of travel and steered his Blazer back onto the roadway.

However, he overcorrected and his Blazer began to rotate in a counterclockwise direction.

As the Blazer entered back onto the roadway, it continued to rotate and as it did, began to overturn.

As it overturned, it traveled across the roadway and onto the north shoulder of State Road 70, ejecting Khabir.

Khabir was pronounced dead at the scene.

He was not wearing a seat belt, the FHP report said.

Teacher, 47, Arrested for Sexual
Battery on a Female Child, 14

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has arrested John Garcia, 47, of 2816 Poplar Street, Sarasota, for allegedly having sex with a student seven years ago.

John Garcia

Garcia, who is a karate instructor at Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences, was taken into custody Friday morning, March 9, 2012, and charged with Custodial Sexual Battery on a Child.

A former student told detectives that Garcia had sex with her in his classroom when he was 41-years-old and she was just 14-years-old.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call Criminal Investigations at 941-861-4900 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS (8477), or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com or via text message by texting TIP109 plus a message to CRIMES (274637).

Garcia is currently being held in the Sarasota County Jail without bond.

Man Arrested for Two Armed
Robberies: Synovus Bank
and Pak Mail

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has arrested Christopher York, 26, of 4314 Eastern Parkway, Sarasota, in connection with two armed robberies last month.

Christopher York

Detectives say York is the man who robbed the Pak Mail on February 16th and Synovus Bank on February 29th.

In surveillance photos released from both crimes the suspect is hidden by a mask or helmet.

However, when detectives went to a home near the bank to follow-up on a tip, they saw the helmet and backpack from the Pak Mail robbery in plain view and obtained a search warrant for the remainder of the residence. Detectives recovered evidence of both crimes including the weapon that had been used.

York admitted to his involvement in the crimes and was charged with two counts of Armed Robbery with a Firearm.

He was booked into the Sarasota County Jail Thursday afternoon, March 8, 2012, and is currently being held without bond.

SSO Makes Arrest on Drug
and Weapons Charges

SARASOTA COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has arrested Robert Lee Lawson, Jr., DOB 11/24/82, 4027 Palau Drive, Sarasota, for a number of drug and weapons charges.

Robert Lawson, Jr.

Detectives executed a search warrant at the residence on Thursday, March 8, 2012, after conducting eight undercover drug buys there over the past few months. Property seized included bags of Oyxcodone, marijuana and cocaine, drug paraphernalia, a handgun and ammunition.

Lawson is charged with eight counts of the Sale of Rock Cocaine, and one count each of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Cannabis, Possession of Rock Cocaine with Intent to Distribute and Trafficking in Oxycodone.

Lawson was booked into the Sarasota County Jail Thursday afternoon and is being held without bond on the trafficking charge and more than $50,000 on the remaining counts.

Man Beaten with Hammer, Robbed;
4 People Arrested for the Crime

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- Charlotte County Sheriff's Major Crimes Unit detectives arrested four people after they beat a man with a hammer and stole items from him. The man was struck with the hammer several times and flown to Lee Memorial Hospital Trauma Unit by helicopter.

CCSO received a call Wednesday, March 7, 2012, at 9:46 p.m. to respond to a home in the 29000 block of Cybele Street, northeast of Punta Gorda, off U.S. 17. The caller said the victim was on his back porch and he said he was attacked by several subjects known to him who fled in a black Chevrolet Cavalier.

The 23-year-old victim said his keys, cell phone and wallet containing $300 were stolen and the subjects fled.

The victim's green Ford pickup was located nearby at Cybele and Riata streets. Blood was in and outside the truck and bloody clothing was in the pickup bed.

The victim named the four subjects as Johnny DeLacruz Jr., 20, 1231 Slash Pine Circle, Punta Gorda; Justin Kyle Spiller, 22, 1761 Floridian St., Arcadia; William Lamar Spiller, 23, homeless, Arcadia, and Brandy Lynn Swartz, 19, 22 Bridal path, Arcadia.

A BOLO was issued and a deputy located the Cavalier in the Wal-Mart parking lot, 5001 Taylor Road, Punta Gorda at 9:30 p.m. The four were seen exiting the store and were all detained for questioning.

MCU detectives arrested all four on charges of Robbery with a Weapon, and Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon.

They remain in the Charlotte County Jail on no bond.

The investigation continues.

FHP to Crack Down on Impaired
Drivers During St. Patrick's Week

TALLAHASSEE, Florida [NMT/FHP] -- The Florida Highway Patrol will be on the lookout for impaired drivers during the week leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, March 10-17. FHP’s effort is part of a national effort called "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over," and the Patrol will address impaired driving, failure to buckle up, speeding and reckless driving.

"The Florida Highway Patrol continues to make DUI (Driving Under the Influence) enforcement a priority,” said FHP Director, Col. David Brierton. “We have a zero tolerance for impaired driving. Having a designated driver and planning ahead will make your trip safer.”

In 2010, there were nearly 18,000 alcohol-related crashes on Florida’s roadways. Nearly 800 people died and more than 12,000 suffered injuries because of those crashes. FHP encourages all residents of the state to drive carefully, and together we will make a difference.

The Patrol offers these tips to make your St. Patrick’s Day and the week leading up to the holiday safer:

~ Plan ahead.
~ Use a designated driver.
~ Dial *FHP (*347) on your cell phone to report an impaired driver.
~ If you are impaired, use a taxi or call a friend or a family member to get you home safely.

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NewsManatee Archive Created 3/17/2012 2:00:06 PM

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